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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
February 5, 1999

Ethiopian/Eritrean Conflict

The Government of Ethiopia has stated that the Government of Eritrea has bombed the northern Ethiopian town of Adigrat. The Government of Eritrea denies the charge.

At present, we have no independent evidence to confirm that such a strike took place. We are seeking additional information.

The Eritrean Government has reiterated that they will not initiate hostilities and affirmed their commitment to the air strike moratorium. The Ethiopian Government has repeatedly assured us of their continuing commitment to the air strike moratorium. We welcome these assurances from both governments.

The U.S urges both sides to exercise the utmost restraint and take no action that could increase tensions or provoke widespread hostilities. We continue to believe that the parties can and must resolve this dispute through peaceful means as outlined in the OAU Framework Agreement.

The humanitarian and human rights consequences of this dispute will grow if it escalates into full-scale fighting. That is why we continue to do our utmost to help both parties find a peaceful resolution to the dispute and are calling on both parties to exercise restraint today.

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